Tendulkar, who was part of India's World Cup winning team in 2011, has backed the "versatile" side to do well in the big event early next year, from 14 February to 29 March. (Also read: 1 visa for 2 countries WC)

File photo: Sachin Tendulkar poses with the World Cup trophy after the win in 2011

"India is definitely among the strong contenders for the title. It is a well balanced side and is tough to beat," Tendulakr told "The Hindu" yesterday (September 3).

"It is a versatile ODI team. There is depth in batting and variety in bowling. And the fielding has been brilliant.

"If you look at batting, there is a good mix of the right and the left-handers. When a right-left combination is at the crease, it becomes a lot harder for the bowlers. They have to find the right line," he added.

Tendulkar said the team had good bowling options now. "In bowling, the Indians have been bowling well in partnerships. There are some good pace and spin options at different stages of the innings."

The 41-year-old Tendulkar retired from international cricket last year. He holds several World Cup records.

Tendulkar played in a joint record of (with Pakistan Javed Miandad) six successive World Cups from 1992 to 2011. He holds the record for most runs (2,278 runs in 45 matches) in World Cup history and also most centuries (6). He won the Player of the tournament award in 2003 (South Africa) after scoring 673 runs, the most in a single edition.